When someone gets bogged, I usually grab the snatch strap (4×4 tow rope) to get them out. I have had no problems doing this in the past, however if you are going to use these, I have recently learnt you need an extra bit of gear. Earlier this year, I heard a story about a bloke who was pulling a car out of the sand when his snatch strap broke, hit him in the head and killed him.

If the snatchie breaks or is attached wrong on either end, there is a possibility of it taking someone’s head off. Before I pull someone out of the sand, I always check for any signs of wear or tear on the strap, just to be safe. While the rope is unlikely to break, these things do happen more often than you’d think and you don’t want to end up being the person it happens to.

So it seems I should also be using a damper blanket next time I use a snatch strap. The blanket sits along the rope so that if it snaps, most of the force from the broken strap will be absorbed and the loose rope wont fly around the place. Seems to me it is an essential part of using a snatch strap. I can’t work out why snatch straps are sold without them.

they are also handy because they can be used as bag to carry your snatch strap and gear when they aren’t being used as a damper blanket. Damper blanket unfolded.Damper blanket folded up.